Book Review: "Sweet September" by Tricia Goyer and Book Giveaway

It's BBAW and I'm giving away a brand new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Friday, September 26. US addresses only. Good luck!

Harvest time at Heather Creek Farm is an exciting time, but the kids don't seem to be getting into the spirit. One day while he's wandering through the fields, Christopher stumbles across an old piece of metal buried in the ground. He doesn't know what it is, but he hides it in the shed.

That night, the garden by the house is uprooted. Who could have done such a thing? Charlotte is determined to find out, but is distracted when she gets news that Sam is failing school. The sullen teen is indifferent and won't study. He starts spending a lot of time with Pete. Though she loves her son dearly, Pete never finished high school, and Charlotte is afraid he'll encourage Sam to do the same. How can she help him get back on track?

A gripping story that examines the Stevenson family's history as well as its shaky future, Sweet September will bring you deeper into the loving community of Bedford and the deep ties of love that bind this broken family together. As they forge new connections, you'll be entertained, inspired, and reminded that God's grace can make all things new.

I really enjoyed this book. This is the first contemporary novel that Tricia has written and it was wonderful! It's part of a multi-author series but you can jump in at any time as each story is standalone. It's a cozy read that brings to life what small town and farm living is all about. I could actually picture myself there on the farm alongside the family. I did like how there was historical tidbits thrown in throughout the novel. There's also a good mystery that takes place as well. What I liked best was how the kids were allowed to act normal, like actual teenagers in the 21st century. It was rather refreshing to read about Sam rebelling about his studies or Emily wanting to be a vegetarian. While these aren't the choices their grandparents would have made, neither are they condemning and overbearing. I hope that the other authors in this series will be able to maintain this type of attitude. It's much more realistic and I think hits home more to see kids acting like real kids and not try to change them. The conflict between father and son was interesting to read as well. Generation gaps and parent-child relationships always make for a good read. But my absolute favorite part? Whenever Star Wars was mentioned! How geeked was I to read that there was a Star Wars marathon that took place? (And that Leia AND Amidala were both mentioned!!) That was a definite plus in my book! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the adventures of the Heather Creek gang. Also if this is what it's like to read a Tricia Goyer contemporary novel, I say more please!!!!

Sweet September by Tricia Goyer is published by Guideposts (2008)

Tricia Goyer is the author of twelve books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

Contest!!!!!

Since Sweet September is all about family, Tricia wants to meet yours.

Leave a comment on Tricia's blog tour post sharing who your favorite family member is (think beyond hubby and kids) and why.

You'll be entered into a drawing to win William-Sonoma’s Pumpkin Harvest Loaf Pan & Quick Bread Set.